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So, if China decides to divide itself into ten countries, each with 1.05 Gt emission, the earth will be so much better? The global climate doesn't give a damn
by yongjik 11y ago
So, if China decides to divide itself into ten countries, each with 1.05 Gt emission, the earth will be so much better?
The global climate doesn't give a damn about national borders, either.
Of course China is important, because decisions made by its government can affect a billion people, but the same can be said for the US. (Good luck persuading Chinese people to reduce their emission, if the US doesn't commit itself to do the same.)
- InclinedPlane 11y agoBoth factors are important, period. Whether it's people who are emitting a lot per capita today or countries with lots of people who are increasing their emissions. You cannot have a reasonable discussion about CO2 emissions without talking about India and China. Let's say the US halves its per capita emissions tomorrow. Hey, that's fantastic right? But then let's say China and India come up to match the US's per capita emissions levels. That would increase China's emissions by 25% and India's emissions by 5x. Increasing total emissions for all 3 countries by 50%. Even if the US stops emitting CO2 tomorrow, if China and India reach 50% of the US's per capita emissions they will together account for 1.2x the total emissions of the US, China, and India today. Pretending that because the US has much higher per capita emissions today means that it's ok to ignore the rest of the world is pure fantasy. That's the point. We should totally "talk" to China and India. Nobody gets a free pass.
- at-fates-hands 11y ago>> if the US doesn't commit itself to do the same.) By the stats I posted, it seems we're doing quite a lot actually. Unless you have other data that would indicate otherwise.